Outer Manipur Tribals’ Forum Press Release ~ 7th August, 2016

Monday, August 8, 2016

On the 6th August, 2016, the delegation of the Outer Manipur Tribals’ Forum (OMTF) met Shri V. Shamuganathan, the Honourable Governor of Manipur at Raj Bhavan, Imphal and appraised him of the issues relating to the Three anti-tribal Bills and the mortal remains of the 9 Tribal Martyrs. The delegation also explained to him the Resolution No 5 of the Joint meeting of Outer Manipur Tribals’ Forum (OMTF) meeting held on 18th July, 2016 resolving that all tribals in Manipur shall abstain from participating in the upcoming Indian Independence Day Celebrations due to the indifferent attitude of the Union Government as well as the State Government.

The Honourable Governor was very receptive and understood the problems and concern of the tribal leaders who expressed the grievances and suffering of the tribal people in Manipur.

The Honourable Governor urged the delegation not to abstain from the Independence Day Celebration and assured that he will do everything within his capacity to expedite the decision of the President not to give assent to the two pending anti-tribal Bills, viz., The Manipur Land revenue & Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015.

In view of the assurance made by the Honourable Governor the Outer Manipur Tribals’ Forum (OMTF) and the Joint Action Committe Against Anti-Tribal Bills (JACAATB) express their profound gratitude to the Honourable Governor. Accordingly, a joint meeting was convened on the 7th August, 2016 at Lamka. Taking into confidence the commitment and assurance of the Honourable Governor to immediately take appropriate action with regards to the issue, the Outer Manipur Tribals’ Forum (OMTF) reviewed the above mentioned resolution and accordingly decided to accord the request made by the Honourable Governor in good faith.